NEWS  |  John Sandeman

16 November 2013

On-the-spot reports are coming in from Christian agencies in the Philippines as communications with the Typhoon-hit islands are restored.

The Philippines Bible Society has sent this testimony from Naj Rana (36), a teacher from Banga, Aklan, who survived Typhoon Haiyan:

“When the typhoon hit Panay Island on November 8, it wrought damage to several buildings and made so many homes, especially the nipa huts, roofless. Nearby houses in the coastal area were all wiped out. The typhoon was relentless, smashing the Banga Sports Complex which initially housed evacuees. This forced the evacuees to flee again and find refuge in the nearest public school. Up to now, communication is intermittent. The residents have to save their mobile phone batteries for emergency purposes. The monstrous wind poses a constant threat of further damage and deaths. The air is filled with fear and grief. My family and I turned to God in prayer and the Word. When we held and read the Bible, God’s comfort enveloped us. We felt his presence and protection.”

Christian Broadcaster FEBC has set up a radio station in the typhoon-hit city, Tacloban:

In spite of enormous challenges to get into this ravaged area our First Response (FR) team quickly constructed a low-power FM station, sourced a power supply, and at this very moment are delivering critical news through 98.7 Tacloban.

Team members are also distributing 1,000 portable radios, to help survivors within a 10 km range learn where they can get food, water, medical assistance, shelter, and how to locate and reconnect with loved ones.

Allow me to pass on to you firsthand news we have just received from the Philippines.

Thanks for all your prayers. The team is doing well.  They really sense God’s favour on them.  They are operating the station under the cover of a tarpaulin right now – not an ideal place especially when it’s raining as it did today, but it serves the purpose for the time being.

This afternoon a man came to our makeshift station.  It turned out that he is the City Administrator.  When he was told  that the broadcast may not be able to last long as we were running out of fuel, the City Administrator assured her that we don’t have to worry about it anymore.  He will take care of all the fuel that we need – on one condition.  Under the present circumstances, he wanted our FR (First Response) station to become the Voice of the City.  He said that we are what they have been looking for to effectively communicate and connect with his distraught people.  FEBC has gladly agreed to his proposal.  In return, he will provide a better place for the station and coordinate the distribution of our radio sets to all the barangays (villages). – from FEBC FR Team in Tacloban

So far, the station has been broadcasting at 30-watt transmitting power that is reaching a coverage of 9km radius up to the edge of Palo, Leyte. By tomorrow, it is expected to broadcast at full 50-watt power expanding the coverage to 12kms. God is moving. Pray on!

Our hearts keep crying out as we get new information trickling out of the affected areas.We covet your continued prayers for the team that they will provide significant assistance to the disaster victims. The situation is really bad. It’s a picture of desperation and desolation.  Carmelyn Guzman – FEBC Philippines

Speaking from the Philippines, Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision Australia welcomed this week’s announcement by the Australian Government of a further $20 million in emergency assistance to the Philippines.

“We welcome the Government’s announcement and the generosity of Australians in responding to the havoc wreaked by Typhoon Haiyan,” Mr Costello said.

“Given the extensive needs of those affected, it is critical that the additional funds translate into aid on the ground as quickly as possible. The best way to do this is through the implementing agencies already on the ground.”

Mr Costello said he was inspired by the World Vision staff who have been working tirelessly to get aid to some of the most vulnerable communities affected by the typhoon.

Samaritan’s Purse has chartered a Boeing 747 to rush disaster relief to Philippines. It was scheduled to fly from Samaritan’s Purse (SP) headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Cebu City in the Philippines.

The relief supplies on board will include more than half a million square metres of plastic sheeting, six additional community water filtration systems, bladder tanks and tap stands for water storage and distribution, medical supplies, mosquito nets and blankets.

Samaritan’s Purse has internationally committed $2 million to the relief. Donations via the Australian office have now topped $100,000 with more expected in the coming weeks.

Contacts:
www.samaritanspurse.org.au or  1300 884 468

www.febc.org.au or 1300 720 017

www.worldvision.com.au or 13 32 48

Image shows Typhoon damage in Palawan. Al Linsangan/YouScoop